Difference between vitreous detachment and retinal detachment.
In this video, ophthalmologist and retina surgeon, Mário Bulla, explains the difference between vitreous detachment and retinal detachment.
The vitreous is a gelatinous substance that fills the vitreous cavity in the inner part of the eye. At birth, this gel is strongly adhered to the retina, but over time, it begins to detach. This phenomenon, known as posterior vitreous detachment, can result in floaters, a common symptom where patients see floating spots, tiny points, or "snakes" in their vision.
Vitreous detachment can lead to retinal detachment in cases where the vitreous, when detaching, is more adhered in one area and ends up tearing off a piece of the retina. The fluid that fills the vitreous cavity can penetrate this tear, leading to retinal detachment.
The retina, an orange-yellow tissue at the back of the eye, when detached, can severely affect vision. Unlike vitreous detachment, which mainly causes floaters, retinal detachment can result in dark vision, with the patient unable to see clearly. In such cases, surgery is needed to reposition the retina, although vision may not fully recover if the retina has been detached for a long time, especially if the center of vision (the macula) has also detached.
It is crucial to know the symptoms of vitreous detachment, as if patients seek ophthalmological care when floaters begin to appear, it is possible to detect and treat a potential tear or retinal detachment early, avoiding more complex surgery. In the early stages, laser treatment can be chosen to prevent retinal detachment.
Bulla emphasizes the importance of seeking ophthalmological care for symptoms like floaters and highlights the severity of retinal detachment, a condition that requires surgery and adequate medical care.